The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is used by the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess the language proficiency of non-native English speakers. An individual who intends to relocate to an English-speaking country like Canada can use this test to gauge their language proficiency. The general IELTS test is the one to be taken by those who are planning to apply for permanent residence or work visa in Canada. The test measures the candidate’s proficiency through 4 modules- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The General IELTS test assesses the candidate’s ability to utilize English language in everyday situations.
Therefore, the assessments and activities are reflective of both professional and social situations. Among the 4 modules, many test takers find it difficult while attempting the speaking module and they fear that they may lose band scores due to lack of fluency. In this article, we help you understand how you could work on your fluency and coherence and ace the speaking test.
The only IELTS test that is taken face-to-face with the examiner is the speaking test. Some test takers could experience anxiety if they are unsure what to expect in the test. The speaking test has three parts and lasts between 11 to 14 minutes. According to the test’s structure, it will evaluate a person’s vocabulary, pronunciation, fluency, and grammar. It is crucial to understand the test’s structure in order to prepare for the speaking module. To comprehend the three parts into which the test is divided, see the table below.
Fluency and coherence, which make up for 25% of your overall band score on the IELTS Speaking test, are one of the key factors that determine how well you do. Let us consider this grading criterion in more detail and identify what the examiners are looking for.
Creating and extending ideas: make sure you continue to support your thoughts and opinions if you want to increase your fluency and coherence scores. When possible, avoid offering quick replies in order to demonstrate to the examiner your ability to develop your language.
Pauses and hesitancy: one factor that may influence your Speaking score is Pausing or taking breaks while speaking. People often respond in this manner when they are attempting to come up with the most suitable words or phrasing to convey what they want to say. It may also occur whilst you trying to come up with ideas. It is fine to pause and hesitate occasionally because such actions are common in spoken language, but they shouldn’t occupy most of the time you speak.
Your speaking pace: be mindful of your speaking pace. Speaking too slowly can lower the amount of language you generate, which can lower your score. Speaking quickly does not, however, indicate that you have strong fluency. Instead of rushing through your responses, try to talk at a natural pace.
Language markers and connectives: connectives and discourse indicators play a crucial role in fluency and coherence because they make it easier for the listener to understand what you are trying to communicate by logically connecting your speech and thoughts. Words like “so,” “because” “or” “as a result,” or “therefore,” are examples of connectives. These are helpful for logically connecting the words and indicating what you want to discuss. Discourse markers, which we use naturally to keep our speech moving and which may assist convey your tone or mood, are a useful tool. These include words and phrases like “in fact,” “actually,” “well,” “probably,” “unfortunately,” etc. They can often be used as fillers instead of halting for a few minutes and maintaining your flow of speech.
Coherence: speaking coherently depends on the way your thoughts flow and connect. Furthermore, it pertains to how simple or complicated it is to implement your ideas. Logical speech, with appropriate use of connectives and discourse markers, assists the examiner in understanding what you are saying.
Contact us if you need help from our language experts. Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.
For your safety, all our information systems are protected by enterprise-grade information security technology approved by the CIRA
1st Floor, Building#12,
15th Cross Road, JP Nagar Phase 6,
Bangalore, Karnataka 560078, India
The Pacific Centre,
777 Dunsmuir Street, 17th Floor,
Vancouver, B.C, V7Y 1K4, Canada
info@owlspriority.com 
080 4951 0807
+1 (604) 265-1332 
